Senegal’s 2026 agricultural campaign priorities set by prime minister

Senegal’s food sovereignty hinges on 2026 harvest campaign overhaul

Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko devoted the latest Council of Ministers meeting to mapping out the 2026-2027 rainy-season farming campaign. While acknowledging the strides made by national bodies like the Senegalese Institute of Agricultural Research (ISRA) and Senegal Chemical Industries (ICS) in producing certified seeds and fertilizers, he presented a candid assessment of sector-wide challenges. Structural weaknesses continue to block progress toward the government’s food sovereignty goals.

Seed autonomy, credit access and storage infrastructure top agenda

Among the critical gaps highlighted are the country’s persistent reliance on imported seeds, uneven seed quality from the last planting cycle, gaps in producer targeting and persistent barriers to agricultural credit. Sonko also flagged aging farming equipment and a nationwide shortage of storage facilities. To tackle distribution inequalities and curb misuse of inputs, he mandated faster digitalization of the seed-to-market chain, citing successful pilot programs in Tivaouane and Nioro. With a full subsidy reform still in the works, government services must tighten oversight on cost transparency and ensure timely delivery of inputs across Senegal.